Temple students took the stage for a cause this week as Delta Phi Epsilon hosted its annual Iris Icon event at the Temple Performing Arts Center.
The talent show brought together fraternities and student organizations, and it was the culmination of a week-long series of fundraising events supporting cystic fibrosis research.
“Iris Icon is our philanthropy event that we do every single year,” said Lisbeth Torres, Vice President of Programming for Delta Phi Epsilon. “We bring out a bunch of organizations between IFC, MDC, and club athletics… they come on stage, perform, and have a good time, kind of embarrass themselves, something funny… And essentially the whole point is to bring in as many people as possible to support your team.”
Torres said the event is months in the making, with planning beginning as early as the previous semester and building into a full week of fundraising activities.
Throughout the week, organizations participated in events like “Pie a Brother” and a sports tournament.
“It’s such an amazing thing that we fundraise for, especially since it doesn’t have a cure,” said Kira Fleckenstein, Delta Phi Epsilon’s social media chair. When asked what her favorite moment from the week was, she said, “just seeing everybody come together.”
All proceeds from ticket sales, merchandise, and competitions go toward the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, supporting research, treatment, and care.
“It really tugs on your heartstrings,” said Daphne Monge, president of Delta Phi Epsilon. “Their lives are cut short… so being able to raise money for an organization that isn’t government funded anymore… it’s truly amazing.”
“We’re not just here as students, we’re going to be doing something bigger than ourselves,” Monge said. “it shows that Temple isn’t here just to educate students, we’re here to show the world that we’re actually here to make a difference.”
While the performances brought energy and competition to the stage, organizers emphasized that the mission remained the focus.
“I feel like it’s always a good time to get together and raise money for a good cause,” said Damian Trice, philanthropy chair for Pi Lambda Phi. “Cystic fibrosis… doesn’t have a lot of national funding, and it’s incurable. This is a perfect event to raise money and really bring light to the disease.”
“It’s a really good way to wrap up the end of the week,” said Delta Phi Epsilon member Ayla Solomon. “It’s nice to see all the fraternities get together and compete… It’s a beautiful cause.”
Delta Phi Epsilon says fundraising efforts will continue through the end of the month.
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